Whispered interpreting

Sometimes in a group there is just one person requiring interpretation.

In this case, an interpreter can be seated behind the person and whisper the interpretation into their ear. This is what is known in the profession as whispering.

It is quite rare for this interpreting technique to be used as it requires great discipline from everyone present in the meeting room. The interpreters don’t have any equipment or sound amplification. This means that the participants must remain absolutely silent so that the interpreter is able to hear the speech and whisper into the ear of their client.